City of London - Things to do in London

Things to do in the City of London

Referring to the area within the original city boundaries, rather than what we know today as Greater London, the City or 'square mile' is still the beating heart of London's finance and commerce sectors. The area stretches from St Pauls to Aldgate, boasting a skyline comprising of the Gherkin, the Natwest Tower and plenty of other skyscrapers in all their phallic glory. 

The boundaries have been unchanged since the middle ages, and many of the street names in the City are indication as to the type of industry which that particular area was originally associated with. For example, Threadneedle Street was home to the capital's haberdashers, whereas medieval Londoners would visit their baker on Bread Street, and so on. It's a psychogeographer's paradise.

Fortunately, the City does offer more than just bankers with bad suits and big bonuses. At weekends the streets are deserted compared to the rest of central London, which can make it a perfect time to visit some of the museums or historic pubs in the area.

Places to go in the City 

Museum of London
Does what it says on the tin. A place to discover the history of London going back thousands of years through a fascinating range of artefacts, exhibitions, interactive displays and more. Explore a Victorian shopping mall, see the original Roman walls, or visit one of the many excellent temporary exhibitions throughout the year.

Barbican Centre
The Barbican Centre is London's foremost, and Europe's largest, multi-arts and culture venue. The building itself is possibly our greatest working example of Brutalist architecture, with its concrete towers dividing Londoners' opinions of taste since the estate opened in 1970s. Inside visitors will find art exhibitions, dance, contemporary and classical music, theatre and cinema.

Jamaica Wine House
The charm of the old City lies within its labyrinth of back alleys, medieval courts and narrow streets. It's here that you'll stumble across historic old pubs and inns like the Jamaica Wine House. Reputedly London's first ever coffee house dating back to the 1600s, the Turks Head, as it was then known, was visited by Samuel Pepys, before the building became a pub in the 19th century. 

Leadenhall Market
The world famous 19th Century architect Sir Horace Jones designed the beautiful ornate structure which houses Leadenhall Market today, but it is in fact one of the oldest markets in London, dating back to the 14th Century.

The covered building has been used in a number of films, including the Harry Potter  series, with its cobbled walkways glistening under Victorian glass domes and intricate gilded shopfronts. Today you'll find a range of street vendors in amongst the shops and boutiques, selling anything from fresh food, flowers and clothes.

Popular events in City

London City Events

•   Exhibitions
  • Art
  • Collection
  • Painting
  • Sculpture
  • Video

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